Ollie Watkins remains a target of Aston Villa's Premier League rivals this summerplaceholder image
Ollie Watkins remains a target of Aston Villa's Premier League rivals this summer | Getty Images
Aston Villa are on the market for new attacking options as Ollie Watkins continues to attract attention.
Rumours continue to swirl around the future of Ollie Watkins as rival clubs remain interested in signing Aston Villa’s star striker this summer.
After contributing 17 goals and 14 assists last season, the 29-year-old was once again a key figure for the Villans. However, as the club’s only out-and-out striker, there is a lot of pressure over keeping him at Villa Park, or signing a suitable replacement if he does depart.
Even if Watkins does stay, Villa have their eye on the market to sign supporting options. One potential candidate is Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus and the Premier League side have been handed a boost amid their interest.
Aston Villa could sign Dusan Vlahovic for half price
Juve are seemingly feeling the pressure of the Vlahovic situation, with his contract in Italy due to expire next summer. According to TEAMtalk, the Serie A giants are ‘open’ to selling the 25-year-old for a significant cut price this window, to avoid the risk of losing him for free in 2026.
Juventus had initially named a €30 million (£26m) asking price for Vlahovic but with pressure building, they have opened up the floor to offers of just €15 million (£13m). This is a hefty 50 percent slash in his initial price, which could convince interested clubs to lodge an offer.
Both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have shown interest in Vlahovic recently but ‘no significant progress’ has followed the initial contacts as of yet. The Serbia international scored 17 goals last season and has established himself as a solid option but his high salary demands could be a stumbling block for the likes of Villa.
Ollie Watkins sale would be ‘big gamble
Watkins has been the subject of plenty of interest this transfer window, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United all looking in his direction. The latter are eager to revamp their attacking options, following a disappointing return in front of goal last season and a dismal finish in the Premier League.
United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are working on Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as well. In order to bring in new talent, the Red Devils will likely have to sell some of their current players.
Pete O’Rourke has given his verdict on the interest in Watkins and believes that while he would be a top signing for those interested in him, it would be a big risk for Villa to sell him.
“If you look at Premier League proven [strikers], there’s not many better than Ollie Watkins, but it’s a hard deal to do,” O’Rourke told Football Insider. “Aston Villa don’t really want to lose Watkins, right now he’s the only recognised number nine in that Villa squad. It would be a big gamble.
“If Man United are looking at a good centre-forward to come in and improve their squad, Watkins would tick a lot of boxes. He’s a proven Premier League goalscorer.”
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